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Protected Traits in DC

The DC Office of Human Rights enforces the DC Human Rights Act, which makes discrimination illegal based on 19 protected traits for people that live, visit or work in the District of Columbia. The DC Human Rights Act prohibits discrimination in housing, employment, public accommodations and educational institutions.

10. Gender identity or expression: your gender-related identity, behavior, appearance, expression or behavior which is different from what you are assigned at birth

11. Family responsibilities: supporting a person in a dependent relationship, which includes, but is not limited to, your children, grandchildren and parents.

12. Political affiliation: belonging to or supporting a political party

13. Disability: a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities; includes those with HIV/AIDS.

Additional Traits Applicable to Some Areas include:

14. Matriculation (applies to housing, employment and public accommodations): being enrolled in a college, university or some type of secondary school.

15. Familial Status (applies to housing, public accommodations and educational institutions): a parent or guardian with children under 18

16. Genetic information (applies to employment and public accommodations): Your DNA or family history which may provide information as to a person’s predisposition or likely to come down with a disease or illness.

17. Source of Income (applies to housing and educational institutions): origination of a person’s finances

18. Place of Residence or Business (applies to housing and public accommodations): geographical location of home or work

19. Status as a Victim of an Intrafamily Offense (applies to housing): a person who was subjected to domestic violence, sexual assault and stalking